Judge says a family 'should not suffer further' after Bryce Evans, 25, stabbed his brother Andrew, 28, during a February altercation.

Nov. 30, 2012

Bryce Evans

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A Fort Collins man who admitted stabbing his brother to death was allowed probation instead of prison Friday after the judge heard emotional pleas from his supporters.

Bryce Evans, 25, stabbed his brother Andrew Evans, 28, in the chest multiple times last February, piercing his heart outside the River Glenn Apartments near Drake Road and Shields Street.

“As we mourn for Drew, we’ve been overwhelmed by the process for saving Bryce,” said Cheryl Evans, the men’s mother. “This has been an out-of-control nightmare.”

Bryce Evans was initially charged with second-degree murder. He reached a plea agreement with prosecutors on the charge of manslaughter, a lesser felony.

Chief District Judge Stephen Schapanski sentenced him to five years of probation. He said there’s nothing to show Bryce Evans is a threat to the community, and he appears to be “a good person.”

“The Evans family should not suffer further,” Schapanski said.

About 140 to 150 friends and family supporting the Evanses filled every seat in the courtroom Friday afternoon, and many were standing. Emotional reactions could be heard across the gallery as Cheryl Evans described the brothers as “best friends” and asked the judge to keep her son out of prison.

“Drew would say, ‘I want what’s best for my family. I want him to be there,’” she said, adding that Bryce Evans’ 13-year-old brother, Spencer, needs him.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Mitch Murray had asked Schapanski to give Bryce Evans six years in prison, the maximum allowed under the plea agreement to manslaughter.

Murray said “massive injuries” were inflicted with a 31/2-inch double-edged knife “to the hilt, as far as it will go.” The knife was later found hidden behind a seat in Bryce Evans’ Chevrolet S-10, he said.

Both sides agree there had been an altercation between the brothers. Bryce Evans had gone to the apartment to confront his brother about some items that were missing.

“I don’t think he intended to kill his brother. It was at the very least a reckless act,” Murray said. “It wasn’t an accident.”

“Nobody really knows what happened,” he said while arguing for probation.

Gary Evans, the father, said Andrew Evans was facing “discouraging challenges” in his life, and he knew Bryce Evans was going to speak with him that night but what resulted was a “very bizarre tragedy.”

Bryce Evans apologized Friday and said he wants to help his family and contribute to the community through nonprofits or philanthropy. He has no previous criminal record.

Schapanski said the “intensive,” supervised probation is “very, very structured” and is adequate for punishment in this case.